If you’re looking into automotive school or already enrolled in a program, you may have heard of ASE certification. This professional certification is a clear way to communicate an automotive technician’s skills to customers – as well as future employers. Here, NYADI The College of Transportation Technology outlines some of the benefits of becoming certified.

What Is ASE Certification?

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 to test and certify automotive professionals in the United States and Canada. ASE sets the standards of high-quality automotive service and repair. Automotive service professionals can take one of the many tests that ASE offers to demonstrate their expertise in specific areas of automotive repair.

There are dozens of ASE tests, covering topics such as:

• Auto maintenance
• Collision repair
• Damage analysis
• Hybrid/electric vehicles
• Medium-heavy trucks
• Military tactical vehicles
• School bus service and repair

To be eligible to take one of ASE’s certification tests, an automotive technician must have completed a two-year Automotive Technology Associate’s degree program or Automotive and Diesel Technology Associate’s Degree program plus have had 1-year of on-the-job training. Alternately, they can qualify with two full years of on-the-job training.

What Are the Benefits of ASE Certification?

As an automotive technician, you’ve worked hard to build your skillset. By earning an ASE certification, you’ll inspire confidence in both your customers and hiring managers. If you’ve recently graduated from automotive school or are looking for a new job, listing an ASE certification on your resume helps stand out from the competition and gives hiring managers a reliable way to gauge your knowledge. And when you work with customers, the ASE blue seal of excellence gives them peace of mind – they know they’re choosing an experienced technician to repair their vehicle.

How Do I Earn an ASE Certification?

If you meet the work and educational requirements for ASE Certification, you can register for the certification test of your choice at any time. Practice tests are also available for purchase if you want to try out the computer-based test format before taking an actual certification exam.

If you pass your test, you’ll receive an official certificate from ASE detailing your credentials. While you’ll need to pay a registration fee, taking an ASE test is a worthwhile investment – once you earn a certification, it’s good for five full years. Certification and recertification exams are offered year-round at testing centers throughout the U.S.

ASE Education Foundation Student Certification

ASE offers a special certification for recent automotive school graduates. The ASE Education Foundation Student Certification is a two-year, entry-level certification program for students studying automotive and medium/heavy truck service and collision repair. Unlike other certifications, there is no work requirement. This is a great option for technicians who are just beginning their careers.

Prepare for ASE Certification at NYADI

At NYADI in Jamaica, New York, we provide career-ready education that helps students prepare to pursue ASE certification. All of NYADI’s instructors are certified in the ASE subject areas they teach and available to help students with ASE test prep. Plus, NYADI’s small class sizes, flexible scheduling options, and supportive career services department make it ideal for students looking for a technical school that will help them succeed. To learn more about NYADI’s degree and certificate programs, contact us today.